Job growth is set to slow, according to a new survey. The survey, from multi-sector recruiter Manpower, reveals that 82% of respondents plan to maintain rather than increase hiring levels.

In terms of sectors, utilities employers are most optimistic, reporting an outlook of +8%, while manufacturing and transport and communications employers (+3%) are also planning further hires.

Construction employers (-10%) and the finance and business services (0%) plan to maintain levels or cut jobs.

Regionally, London (+8%) and the South-West (+7%) are most confident about hiring, while South-East (-9%) and Wales (-5%) reported the weakest hiring confidence.  
 
Mark Cahill, managing director of Manpower UK, said:  “Employers have faced difficult times since the credit crunch and wider economic and confidence worries really took effect last year.  This uncertainty is being reflected by new recruitment plans being put on hold and with slightly more employers now looking to reduce their staffing numbers than add to them.”